The Columbia Weekly
January 13, 2022
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A Message from Pastor Matt |
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This week has been a kind of unexpected encounter for many of us with another (and hopefully much briefer!) chapter of COVID. Several times this week my wife and kids said to me, “What are you thinking about?” I just kept saying, “I am just trying to wrap my head around everything going on.” Sometimes, we encounter parts of life that are challenging. Sometimes we encounter the beautiful and the good. On Sunday, we will be looking at a passage where a person encounters Jesus and is not the same. That encounter re-arranges them and also reveals that some who claim to have encountered God may not know very much about him at all.
The hope is that this series of sermons on what it looks like to encounter Christ will remind us all about our core purpose as a church. We are preaching our way through our Mission/Purpose statement. No matter what is going on around us, it is important to be reminded that we have a mission together every day when our feet hit the floor. Our church has the same mission every day in Clark County. That mission is important and it matters. Come and see this Sunday (online or in person!) about why this mission matters. Come see and hear the story of what happens when someone encounters Jesus and life and refreshment spring up!
Pastor Matt
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We have paused all programs besides Sunday worship through Tuesday, January 18. The nursery will be available during worship, self-monitored by parents. |
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The submission deadline for Columbia Weekly articles is Wednesdays at 2:00PM. |
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Ellen Torongo Scholarships
Each year as part of Ellen Torongo’s legacy, the Presbyterian Women’s Association has awarded college scholarships to active members of our church community.
- Scholarship #1 is open to women ages thirty or older, seeking to advance their education, acquire new skills, or update present skills.
- Scholarship #2 is for high-school-graduate children of single parents. Both applicants and their parent must be active members of Columbia.
- Scholarship #3 is to help first-generation college students between ages 18-24 pursuing an undergraduate degree at an accredited institution. “First generation” is defined as a person whose parent or parents have not obtained a post-secondary degree.
- Scholarship #4 is open to children of Missionaries who are/were active members of Columbia and whose mission is supported by Columbia.
If you have questions about the application or wish to make a contribution to the scholarship fund, contact Judy Falk at 360 574-1252 or judyfalk81@gmail.com
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GIFT Women's Study
Wednesday Evening Group
6-7:30PM in Room LL6
We'll be working through Jesus and Women: In the First Century and Now, a video-based 7-week study which includes a participant study guide. From the publisher: "Join biblical culturalist Kristi McLelland on those dusty roads as she transports you back to Jesus’ world, following in the footsteps of the women who came face-to-face with the Living God. Over 7 sessions, examine the historical and cultural climate of first-century Middle Eastern society to not only understand Jesus more deeply but to fuel your worship of Him today." Women of all ages are invited to join our inter-generational study. Questions? Contact Rachel Grice: ragrice@spu.edu or (206) 719-1726. Study books are available for $18 at first study.
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Animate: Bible Series
No class this Sunday
10:30-11:30 AM in the Fellowship Hall
In a time when the Bible is used in religious, political, and social debates, it is increasingly important for Christians to understand the challenges and opportunities of using and misusing the Bible. Join us in the Fellowship Hall for a class called Animate: Bible. We will use this video-based series to explore questions like: How did the Bible come to be? How should we interpret the Bible? How do the Old and New Testament fit together? Is the Bible relevant in today’s world? Each week a different theologian will speak to us on the video and launch us into a healthy and vibrant conversation about the Bible. Books will be available for purchase in class for $15.
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Men’s Retreat
March 4-6
Aldersgate Retreat Center
Yes that’s right, after a year off due to COVID, we are planning to get together again for a retreat full of great teaching, worship, and fellowship. So put on your calendar March 4-6, when we will gather at Aldersgate Retreat and Conference Center. We have reserved semi-private rooms (shared with only one other person) for your comfort and safety. More details will follow.
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All Church Ski Day and High School Ski Retreat
All high school youth, as well as the entire church community, are invited to a fun day of skiing or snowboarding at Mt. Hood on Saturday, February 19.
High School Details: We will meet at the Youth Center at 5:30am and return around 7:00pm. Cost of the retreat depends on your age and whether you are skiing/snowboarding or not. Please register online, click here. We are in need of an additional 2-3 drivers, please contact Katie Mrochko, katie@columbiapresbyterian.org if you are interested in driving a church van (must pass a background check and complete additional screening paperwork for driving). Registration Deadline: Sunday, January 30.
Congregation Member Details: We would love it if you met us up on the mountain! The high school youth should arrive to Timberline around 8:30am and leave around 4:30pm. You are welcome to come earlier or stay later, but make sure to pop into the lodge to say hello and hit the slopes with a student or two.
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Blood Drive
You have something someone else needs: your blood. The Red Cross will be in our Fellowship Hall on Monday, February 21 from noon to 5:00PM. To sign up, email Barbara Miller, miller.barbara46@yahoo.com.
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Work Camp Auction
Please reserve the afternoon of Sunday, March 20 for our Annual Work Camp Auction. Whether in-person or virtual, this is a wonderful event that supports the Youth Work Camp as well as McLoughlin Middle School and Compassion Vancouver (who both receive 10% of the proceeds!). Another way you can support is through contributions toward the Work Camp Auction. Popular donations include: the use of vacation homes, unique experiences, gift cards or items purchased from local businesses, or donation of your unique talents and skills. If in doubt, please contact Amanda Stimmel regarding your donation at awstimmel@gmail.com
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Pastor Nominating Committee Update |
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With travel and family events over the holidays, your Pastor Nominating Committee took two weeks off from meeting — but not from reading! Besides “Canoeing the Mountains,” a book we’re discussing under Chris Keinath’s leadership, we’ve been digesting “On Calling a Pastor” from the Presbyterian Church (USA). We are trying to learn all we can about the process of finding the pastor God is calling to Columbia before taking the next steps.
PNC members have been sharing our stories so we have a greater understanding of each other as we work together over the coming months. Tonight, Jan. 13, we will meet our Presbytery liaison, Rev. Dr. Josh Rowley from First Presbyterian Church in Vancouver. We are eager to gain his insights and guidance.
The next step will be writing the Ministry Information Form. Please keep the PNC in your prayers as we work to present a clear picture of who we are at CPC, and where we’re going. Thank you!
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Winter Hospitality Overflow (WHO), is an organization in Vancouver, Washington, devoted to helping those in need during winter’s coldest months. Guests are offered not only a warm place to sleep, but a hot shower, meal, and the welcome and warmth of a caring community working to address the most basic of human needs.
Needed: A "WHO Support Team" that can help coordinate CPC volunteers.
CPC will be volunteering February 27- March 4, 2022.
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Weekly Events January 7-13 |
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In Concern:
- Bob McFarlin - upcoming heart surgery on January 19
- Annie Reid - carpal tunnel surgery on January 20
- LeOla Pearson - on hospice
- John Prutsman - health concerns
- David Peterson - diagnosed with cancer
- Imogene Doden - health concerns
- Jim Waltz - health concerns
- Sheila Hockley - recovering from a fall
- Todd Carroll - treatment for cancer
- Jeanene Polete - health concerns
- Dottie Scott - health concerns
- Barbara Van Nostern - lower back issues
- Jim Hudson - health concerns
Thank You:
- I sincerely thank you for your prayers, cards, emails, and calls following my sister’s death. They helped bring comfort and peace to our family during this difficult time ~Linda and Maynard Mohn
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Ways to Give:
- By Mail or Bill Pay through your financial institution
cccccccSend checks to:
cccccccColumbia Presbyterian Church
ccccccc8715 St. Helens Ave
cccccccVancouver, WA 98664
Other Types of Giving:
- Qualified Charitable Distribution (QCD)
- Required Minimum Distribution (RMD)
- Stock
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805 Columbia Ridge Dr.
Vancouver, WA 98664
(360) 694-7549
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